The Pistons got much more than they expected from Wallace in 2009. Loads more when he came back for a second go in the Motor City. He was going to be an extra big fellow, and then players started falling with injuries. Wallace played, well, like Wallace -- as in hard, defensively determined and every night to the limits his body would let him.

So this year, they expect much the same from him, only with some more wins for him to enjoy.

"He's still got a lot of juice left in that 36-year-old body," Pistons coach John Kuester said.

Wallace said it's not harder each year. Not really. He stays in relatively good shape all year and plans to even after he retires.

"Getting in basketball shape is another thing, though, and that's the same every year -- hard," he said.

Not that he minds. He considers it part of the job, and it's a job he doesn't plan to retire from any time soon.

"Don't want to work no nine to five," he said.

So, he warms up, stretches, gets his body and mind ready and plays basketball. His has never been a game of artistry or finesse. He's a rebounder, a defender and his offense is best served two-handed with force, dunked if you please.

He started and played 7:28 of the first quarter against Dallas, and his statistics line was typical Wallace: 1-of-1 in field goals for two points, three rebounds (all defensive), one personal foul, one turnover.

He started the second half, too. More of the same for 15 minutes total with four points, eight rebounds.

He mixed it up on defense as usual. He really knows only one way to play basketball -- like a job, even if it is the best one in the world.

The Pistons for years has marketed the blue-collar work ethic of their team, and Wallace always has been the best representative of it.

He's been a champion in Detroit and would like for it to happen again. He even manages to remain optimistic regarding the possibility, no matter what others may think.

"I'm as excited this year as I was my first year," he said. "I've always just been excited to be in the league, still excited every year."

Wallace acknowledged that last year was a long season. Going 27-55 makes even the best job in the world drag a bit, especially for a player who is all about effort toward one result: a win.

Still, he thinks the Pistons can surprise this year, win games, be a factor come playoff time.

"As long as we stay healthy, good things are going to happen for this team," he said. "I expect some big things from the young guys. I like their games."

Wallace is a positive person, always looking at the winning side of things. He has lost some of the intimidation factor of his younger days, but he's still not a guy to mess with in the lane.

He's still Big Ben, even if his big hair isn't what it used to be and the team isn't what it used to be.